TIP! In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

Basketball is a beloved sport worldwide. One can turn basketball into their profession or just play it for fun in the park. Learn a little more about what basketball is all about by reading this article.

TIP! A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best.

If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. Being able to dribble the ball with both hands and crossover between the two will make you a better player. You have to do this quickly to be good at it. When executed properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.

TIP! Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter.

Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential.

Perfect your layup technique. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. Knowing how to run and jump quickly and smoothly will assist you in knowing how to leap and shoot more effectively while playing.

TIP! If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. Basketball is challenging physical sport and you can get injured.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. Some pro shooting guards make their arms large enough to decrease their own field goal percentage.

TIP! A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results.

Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. Each of these skills is reliant on good footwork.

TIP! To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender.

Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor. Maintain awareness of open areas on the ball court that may allow you to quickly score a basket.

TIP! Dribble with force to prevent the ball from being stolen. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you.

If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail. Keep your shoulders square in line with the basket. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.

TIP! Make it your goal to dribble the ball across the entire court in under 5 dribbles. While this is a challenging goal, working toward it will make you a much better player.

Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. It can be a really powerful play.

TIP! When you have a chance, take a charge. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor.

To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.

TIP! Stay low when you play defense. This will help you be quicker on the jump and react to the man in front of you easier.

Dribble very hard to prevent the opposing team players from stealing the ball. A good hard dribble brings the ball back to you much faster, leaving less time for the opponent to steal it from you. If you are being guarded closely, halt your dribble and pass to an open teammate.

Strength Training

TIP! To improve three-point shooting, do it from NBA distance at the very least. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance.

Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball. Younger kids can benefit from boosting their arm and leg strength with proper exercise. As they age, begin adding weights to their exercise routine. Once they transition into adulthood, strength training must continue to be a core part of their exercise routine.

TIP! You should make sure when practicing dribbling that you shift from one hand to the other. During the game, you will dribble in various situations.

To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. High school lines, International standard lines, and college lines are closer. If you make your shots from where the NBA players shoot, you will improve your skills and increase your range.

TIP! To keep your opponent on their toes, keep your dribbling steady and regular, then surprise them. The opposing player expects you to maintain that rhythm, so when you switch things up you create an element of surprise.

An excellent tip to help you with shooting skills is to shoot the ball from different spots on the court. Become better and better by practicing your fast dribble then stopping abruptly to make a shot. Be sure you look at the target as you’re in mid air. This can help you simulate the conditions of the game and also helps you improve accuracy.

TIP! A missed shot from the corner often results in the ball landing on the opposite side of the net. If this is the case, you need to guess where it will end up and catch the rebound as a result.

Continuously dribble the ball until you have an opening to pass it to one of your teammates, or you are prepared to shoot. You do not have many options after you stop dribbling. Aside from using your back foot to pivot, you have very little freedom. This will leave you open for double teaming from opponents and you may lose control of the ball.

TIP! Make strong team environments off and on the court. Basketball is something that can work in a team’s favor if they all work together well.

Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. During the game, you will dribble in various situations. It is likely that you will be fending off two or more players from the opposing team. It helps to master control of your body as you dribble in a variety of positions. By nailing this skill, you have a better chance to avoid a turnover.

TIP! You have to know how to change the path of your opponent. No matter what side of the ball you’re on, being able to direct your opponents movements is key to winning.

After reading the above article you should have an idea on what it takes to follow the game of basketball. It’s not that hard, but it requires a bit of work and proper knowledge. Once you understand how to play the game you will only continue to get better. It’s time to shoot some hoops!